Intel Core i9-14901KE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235A Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A is the only processor in this comparison with recorded benchmark data. The Intel Core i9-14901KE has no benchmark entries in the database, making a direct numerical comparison impossible. The Ultra 5 235A delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32,633 and a single-core score of 4,607. In Cinebench R20, it scores 13,705 multi-core and 1,934 single-core. The older R15 test shows 3,289 multi-core and 464 single-core.

PassMark results for the Ultra 5 235A show a multi-thread score of 38,392 and a single-thread score of 4,557. The CPU achieves 393,800 in data compression, 30,136 in data encryption, and 31,625 in extended instructions. Floating-point math scores 118,778, while integer math reaches 88,626. Prime number finding produces 392, physics simulation scores 2,437, and random string sorting completes at 49,489.

The Ultra 5 235A holds a 90th percentile ranking across all CPUs in the database. Its average benchmark score is 48,201. The nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380, scores 48,171, a delta of 0.1%. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX records 48,287, which is 0.2% ahead. The AMD EPYC 4345P posts 48,470, 0.6% higher. The AMD Ryzen 9 3900 trails with 47,918, 0.6% behind.

Because the i9-14901KE has no benchmark scores, the database records zero wins for it and zero wins for the Ultra 5 235A in the head-to-head comparison. The lack of measured data for the i9 means no direct score-based verdict can be assigned between these two specific parts.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A demonstrates clear strengths in measured workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32,633 places it firmly in the upper tier of desktop processors. The single-core R23 result of 4,607 indicates strong per-thread performance for lightly threaded applications. PassMark single-thread performance at 4,557 aligns closely with the R23 single-core figure.

Data compression at 393,800 suggests the Ultra 5 235A handles archiving and file compression tasks efficiently. Encryption at 30,136 and extended instruction workloads at 31,625 show balanced capability across security and SIMD-heavy applications. The floating-point math score of 118,778 is notably higher than integer math at 88,626, indicating particular strength in scientific and graphics-oriented calculations.

The Intel Core i9-14901KE has no recorded benchmark data. Its advantages can only be inferred from its specifications. The i9 features 8 cores and 16 threads with a boost clock of 5.80 GHz, which exceeds the Ultra 5's 5.00 GHz boost. The i9 also has a larger L3 cache at 36 MB shared versus 24 MB shared on the Ultra 5. The i9's TDP is 125 watts compared to 65 watts, suggesting higher sustained power draw for potentially higher peak performance.

The Ultra 5 235A uses 14 cores with 14 threads, meaning no hyperthreading. The i9-14901KE has 8 physical cores with 16 threads thanks to simultaneous multithreading. The i9's higher boost clock could favor single-threaded workloads, while the Ultra 5's additional physical cores might help in heavily parallel tasks, though no measured data confirms this for the i9.

Architecture Differences

The i9-14901KE belongs to the Core 14th Gen series, built on Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-R codename. It uses a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel. The die size measures 257 mm². The Ultra 5 235A is part of Core Ultra Series 2, using Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-S codename. It employs a 3 nm process node fabricated by TSMC, with a die size of 243 mm² and 17,800 million transistors.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The i9 provides 80 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, with 36 MB of shared L3. The Ultra 5 offers 192 KB of L1 per core and 3 MB of L2 per core, with 24 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core L1 and L2 on the Ultra 5 could reduce latency for frequently accessed data, while the i9's larger L3 provides more shared capacity across its 8 cores.

Memory support diverges clearly. The i9-14901KE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Ultra 5 235A supports only DDR5, also dual-channel, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. The i9 has no bandwidth figure recorded. ECC memory is supported on the i9 but not on the Ultra 5.

PCIe connectivity differs. The i9 provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Ultra 5 provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU, offering more expansion headroom for additional devices. Integrated graphics also differ: the i9 uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Ultra 5 uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 24 execution units.

Socket compatibility separates the two. The i9-14901KE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Ultra 5 235A uses Intel Socket 1851. These are not interchangeable, requiring different motherboards. The i9 has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking. The Ultra 5 has a locked multiplier. The i9's release date is June 30, 2024, while the Ultra 5 launched July 28, 2025. The Ultra 5 has a recorded launch MSRP of $269. The i9 has no launch MSRP recorded.

Base clocks are 3.80 GHz for the i9 and 3.40 GHz for the Ultra 5. Boost clocks are 5.80 GHz and 5.00 GHz respectively. The i9's TDP of 125 watts substantially exceeds the Ultra 5's 65 watts, indicating higher power delivery requirements and potentially more heat generation.

The Verdict

The recorded data shows the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A as a measured performer with a 90th percentile ranking across all CPUs. Its average benchmark score of 48,201 places it within 0.6% of the AMD EPYC 4345P and within 0.2% of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 sits 0.1% behind, and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 trails by 0.6%.

The i9-14901KE has no benchmark data in the database. Its percentile ranking is 50, and its average benchmark score is zero. This places it in the middle of the distribution by default, but that figure is not supported by any measured workload. The i9's specifications suggest high peak clocks and a large L3 cache, but without recorded scores, the database cannot confirm performance claims.

For users selecting solely on measured results, the Ultra 5 235A is the only option with verified performance data. Its single-core and multi-core scores are competitive with its nearest rivals. The locked multiplier limits overclocking, but the 65-watt TDP indicates efficient operation. The 14-core configuration with no hyperthreading provides ample parallel throughput.

The i9-14901KE appeals to users requiring an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Its DDR4 support offers compatibility with older memory platforms, and ECC memory support suits error-sensitive workloads. The 125-watt TDP suggests a higher performance ceiling if adequate cooling is supplied, but no measurements confirm this.

The database shows one processor with comprehensive benchmark coverage and another with none. The Ultra 5 235A's 90th percentile ranking and average score of 48,201 give it a clear measured advantage. The i9's specifications remain untested, leaving its actual performance unknown.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE boosts to 5.80 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A boosts to 5.00 GHz.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A?

A: The Ultra 5 235A has an average benchmark score of 48,201 and ranks in the 90th percentile across all CPUs.

Q: Does the Intel Core i9-14901KE support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the i9-14901KE supports ECC memory. The Ultra 5 235A does not.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ultra 5 235A has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Q: What sockets do these processors use?

A: The i9-14901KE uses Intel Socket 1700. The Ultra 5 235A uses Intel Socket 1851.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The i9-14901KE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 5 235A has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.